Cruise on the St. Lawrence River

• Boarding: 6:30 AM | Departure: 7:30 AM
• Estimated arrival in Quebec City: 5:00 PM

Experience an exceptional adventure aboard the AML Cavalier Maxim, departing from Montreal. Begin your day with a delicious breakfast as you admire the sunrise over the Saint Lawrence River.

Throughout the cruise, be captivated by the stories of our experienced guide, who will reveal the river’s secrets. For your enjoyment, you can attend two lectures on the history of the Saint Lawrence River, a wine tasting led by our sommelier, and a nautical chart interpretation workshop.

Sail along magnificent vistas, including the Old Port, the Clock Tower, and the Jacques Cartier Bridge. Explore Quebec’s natural and cultural wonders, such as Îles-de-Boucherville National Park, and admire Lake Saint-Pierre and its archipelago, a World Biosphere Reserve. Cross the Laviolette Bridge, pass by Trois-Rivières, and behold the Quebec Bridge and Pierre Laporte Bridge at Cap-Rouge. End your day in style with a breathtaking view of Château Frontenac as you arrive in Quebec City.

In the old capital, you will have a free evening to explore Old Quebec before spending the night at Hôtel Le Concorde—see you tomorrow!

• Boarding: 6:30 AM | Departure: 7:30 AM
• Estimated arrival in Quebec City: 5:00 PM

Start your day with an early-morning transfer from Hôtel Le Concorde Québec to Quai Chouinard, where you will embark on an unforgettable cruise to discover the majestic whales of the St. Lawrence River. Upon boarding, savor a delicious breakfast while admiring spectacular views of Quebec City.

Next, you’ll be greeted by the landscapes of Île d’Orléans, with its orchards and traditional houses. As you continue, the panoramas of Mont-Sainte-Anne and the Côte-de-Beaupré will unfold before you.

You will also pass Montmorency Falls, where you can admire the impressive cascade. Further on, the Cap-Tourmente Wildlife Reserve will offer a unique natural spectacle as snow geese make their final migratory stop.

During the cruise, enjoy a variety of activities, including a lecture on Quebec history, a marine-chart interpretation workshop, and a beer tasting.

As you sail along the Charlevoix region, the colourful mountains plunged into the river will offer breathtaking scenery. A panoramic view of Isle-aux-Coudres marks another picturesque stop before reaching the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord, the world’s premier whale-watching site.

Eager to learn all about these ocean giants? An experienced naturalist will be on board to share fascinating insights on humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and many others you may observe in the heart of the marine park.

Your arrival in Tadoussac—often called Quebec’s most beautiful village—is one of the highlights of the cruise. This historic setting is the perfect place to conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at Hotel Tadoussac.

• Boarding: 6:30 AM | Departure: 7:30 AM
• Estimated arrival in Québec City: 5:00 PM

The cruise begins with a journey into the majestic Saguenay Fjord, then heads toward Québec City—this time along the south shore to offer you equally impressive new viewpoints! Here’s what you might see and experience along the way:

Saguenay Fjord

• Begin with a one-hour excursion into the fjord, where the towering autumn-colored cliffs (some reaching 450 meters) will offer you a breathtaking landscape. Along the way, admire the famous Caribou-Qui-Pisse Falls, a cascade that seems to spring directly from the cliffs, adding a unique touch to this majestic setting.
• Upon leaving the fjord, spot the Prince Shoal Lighthouse, an emblem of Tadoussac affectionately nicknamed the “Top” by locals. A little farther on, the Île Rouge Lighthouse, perched at 15.5 meters, dominates its namesake island.

Île aux Lièvres

• Pass by Île aux Lièvres, a vast wilderness nestled in the heart of the St. Lawrence River. Its name, dating back to the 16^th century, was given by Jacques Cartier himself due to the abundance of hares inhabiting it. Marvel at the striking contrast between the bucolic landscapes of the Lower Saint Lawrence and the imposing Charlevoix Mountains on the horizon.
• Just one kilometer from Île aux Lièvres stands the historic Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie Islands Lighthouse. Erected in 1862 and designated a national historic site, it guided mariners until it was decommissioned in 1964. Today, it operates as a cozy tourist lodge.

Exceptional Villages

• As you sail, be enchanted by some of Québec’s most beautiful villages, such as Rivière-du-Loup, Notre-Dame-du-Portage, Kamouraska and L’Islet-sur-Mer. Majestic cliffs, ancestral houses, golden mudflats and colorful dwellings compose an enchanting backdrop for your river journey.

Varied Activities

• During the cruise, treat yourself to a tasting of digestifs, try your hand at dance in a friendly workshop, and dive into Québec City’s history with an immersive presentation.

Les Pèlerins Archipelago

• Navigate along the Les Pèlerins Archipelago, a string of five islands stretching over seven kilometers. Comprised of several small islets and rocks, this area creates both a picturesque and wild landscape and serves as a natural habitat for a wide variety of bird species.

Île-aux-Grues and Grosse-Île Archipelago

• Admire the Île-aux-Grues Archipelago, made up of 21 islands, some of which hold a captivating past. Among them, Grosse-Île stands out for its significant history: once a 19^th-century quarantine station, it still bears witness to an essential chapter of Québec’s heritage today.

Île d’Orléans

• Follow the south shore of Île d’Orléans and discover its most beautiful villages! Behold Saint-Jean-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, with its marine cemetery extending to the mudflats at the foot of the church with its red roof. Also admire the picturesque village of Saint-Laurent, where traditional wooden houses line the shore, while farmlands cultivated since the 1660s testify to the region’s agricultural history.

Arrival in Québec City

• As you approach Québec City, let yourself be enchanted by the spectacular views of the old capital and the majestic château that rises on the horizon. Upon arrival, board the luxury coach for a comfortable return trip to Montreal.